10 Must-Play Turn-Based RPGs for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Fans

Fans are thrilled with an abundance of exciting options between the mysterious and the creatively unique Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Yet, the latter stands out as a must-have for strategy RPG enthusiasts. This niche genre has maintained its popularity, though not quite reaching mainstream status, and Sandfall Interactive’s latest creation is casting a well-deserved limelight on it.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received universal praise for its stunning visuals, innovative approach to combat, and riveting narrative. Both veterans of turn-based RPGs and newcomers might find themselves eager to delve deeper into this genre. This particular RPG category offers numerous outstanding titles across various subgenres, such as turn-based Japanese RPGs, computer RPGs, and tactical RPGs. Players seeking a captivating world and story to immerse themselves in, complemented by engaging turn-based combat, have an array of options at their disposal – ranging from classics like [insert game name] to more recent releases like Persona 5 Royal for added diversity.

The Long-Awaited JRPG is a High Fantasy Take on What Atlus Has Learned

For quite some time, Atlus kept the game known as “Metaphor: ReFantazio” under wraps. After years of waiting since its initial announcement and development, it was launched in 2024 and garnered critical acclaim as one of the year’s top RPGs. This Japanese role-playing game is set in the magical realm of Euchronia, where the orphan Will traverses the land in quest of a remedy for the prince’s affliction after an assassination attempt.

In a nutshell, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” draws inspiration from Atlus’ “Persona” series. Given that “Metaphor: ReFantazio” is considered a high-fantasy adaptation of the “Persona” formula, this 2024 game is an excellent choice for players seeking more turn-based games and immersive storylines set in a fantastical universe. The combat system, being turn-based, will appeal to those who admire Sandfall’s focus on stunning visuals, while offering a party with rich mechanical depth thanks to its class combinations. Notably, “Clair Obscur” is recognized for integrating real-time aspects within turn-based battles, and while it’s not identical, “Metaphor” incorporates its own real-time mechanics in the game field.

Larian Studios’ BG3 Offers Deep Turn-Based Combat, Storytelling & Lore

The popular Dungeons & Dragons series is increasingly gaining popularity not only in its traditional tabletop role-playing game format but also beyond it. Larian Studios achieved one of their biggest successes of the 2020s with Baldur’s Gate 3, a game that brings players back to the Forgotten Realms. The adventure begins as your custom character or chosen origin character finds themselves on a Mind Flayer spaceship. After a dramatic escape, they join an eclectic group of companions to rid themselves of the parasite they’ve been infected with.

In the game Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll find an immersive CRPG experience that caters to those who appreciate turn-based combat. Notably, a recent update has introduced an impressive 12 new subclasses, enhancing the strategic and variable nature of its battle system. Fans of the captivating narrative and world-building in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will also discover a rich and emotionally intense journey within Baldur’s Gate 3. Each character in the diverse cast offers a unique, deeply personal storyline that players can influence in numerous ways.

Clair Obscur Borrows from JRPG Elements for Its Gameplay

On a global scale, it introduced an enthralling sequence in the subcategory that resonated with Western viewers, and it left a significant impact on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, both stylistically and mechanically. The narrative centers around a high school vigilante known as Joker, along with his gang of Phantom Thieves, who embark on an adventure into a supernatural dimension to snatch the wicked intentions of corrupt adults.

Initially, Persona 5 was highly acclaimed for its extensive narrative filled with a variety of characters, each providing a fulfilling journey for the group of rebellious youth. The expanded version, Royal , added additional story elements, side characters, and locations to delve into, but both share a common trait – the stylish turn-based combat. Although it’s set in urban fantasy, the presentation is bursting with character, and the battle rhythm is swift, prompting strategic thinking and timing. The intense combat scenes of Clair Obscur are heavily influenced by this design.

Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity Games Are Some of the Developer’s Best Titles

Obsidian Entertainment has recently launched a fresh installment in the expansive universe of Eora named Avowed. Although it stands well on its own as an action RPG, many consider the studio’s acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series to be the franchise’s pinnacle in both narrative and gameplay. Among these games, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire allows players to command the “Watcher” as they journey across seas and lands, investigating the resurrection of the god of light and uncovering its purpose.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire” is a role-playing game (CRPG) that offers both real-time and pause options for combat, but you can also switch to a turn-based mode if preferred. Interestingly, the game handles this alternate system smoothly, and it complements the intricate party customization features. Each character class in the game has multiple subclasses for added depth, each offering unique abilities to cater to various playstyles. Although the perspective during overworld exploration isn’t like “Clair Obscur,” the seafaring theme makes exploring in “Deadfire” particularly enjoyable and rewarding.

The Most Recent Main Dragon Quest is Classic Turn-Based Combat

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t forget to mention that while Square Enix is globally recognized for Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest has also left an indelible mark in the annals of turn-based JRPG history. In Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, I found myself embodying a village-raised orphan who, together with my fellow travelers, battles to save our world from encroaching darkness. Throughout this epic journey, my character grows and realizes his destiny as the prophesied Luminary, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers an aesthetically and technically impressive reinterpretation of some classic JRPG gameplay elements. For newcomers who enjoy turn-based combat, it provides a refreshing perspective on traditional mechanics within a contemporary setting. The game maintains its core values while providing ample opportunities for customizing your party composition. Engaging in battles through overworld encounters instead of random ones is a practical improvement, and the entire experience is enriched by a timeless story of heroic high fantasy.

Owlcat Games Develops a Satisfying Adaptation of the Pathfinder TTRPG

Sandfall Interactive has proven its skill in crafting a captivating turn-based role-playing game, even for those new to this style. Once you’ve explored the stunning environment, narrative, and combat of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33”, you might find “Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous” more appealing due to its grittier mechanics. In this game, you’ll accompany your protagonist and party as they strive to halt a demon invasion of the mortal realm through a gateway from their world.

In contrast to Larian Studios’ “Baldur’s Gate 3,” which is a Dungeons & Dragons video game, Owlcat Games transforms the tabletop role-playing game Pathfinder into “Wrath of the Righteous.” This change in perspective offers a more intricate shift when it comes to this computer role-playing game’s turn-based combat systems. Despite this, with its careful consideration of party composition and character builds, players can create satisfying tactical combinations in the turn-based combat systems, which are particularly enjoyable for newcomers who appreciate the rewards of these systems. Additionally, Owlcat Games does an impressive job of simplifying the original tabletop RPG’s rulebook for “Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous.

When Venturing Into Tactical RPGs, Few Experiences Top Tactics Ogre

If you’ve ventured into turn-based RPGs after playing Clair Obscur, I recommend exploring the tactical-RPG subgenre as well. This type of game has a structure similar to tabletop RPGs, allowing you to manage characters on a top-down map. Tactics Ogre is one of the standout games in this subgenre. It’s an early entry in the tactical RPG world, and the recent remaster, Tactics Ogre: Reborn, offers a contemporary take on the game.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn serves as an updated version of the original PSP remake, immersing players in the strife-torn land of Valeria. The main character, Denam Pavel, is a freedom fighter who allies with others to confront their oppressive leaders. Strategy enthusiasts who appreciate the tactical elements in Clair Obscur will discover fresh strategic subtleties within Tactics Ogre: Reborn. They’ll be challenged to optimize their combat units, exploit weaknesses, and strategically navigate the battlefield. This remastered version offers a rich gaming experience, with its turn-based battles contributing significantly to its playtime. The storyline revolving around political intrigue and the enduring theme of rebellion keeps players hooked throughout.

Larian’s Divinity: Original Sin Sequel Was the Team’s Best Before BG3

If supporters of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” seem to be embracing the turn-based RPG genre more, Larian’s “Divinity: Original Sin II” is another game that’s definitely worth exploring. This was their studio’s title that received the most praise before “Baldur’s Gate 3” made a big impact in the gaming world. The protagonist of this game is an incarcerated Godwoken magic user who can manipulate the Source. After escaping, they assemble a team of companions and find themselves in the midst of the Voidwoken monster’s rampage across the land.

Similar to Clair Obscur in Sandfall’s and Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3, players will eagerly immerse themselves in the narratives and magical realm of Divinity: Original Sin II. As they advance, the game invites them to delve into the history and side quests of Rivellon in a manner that feels authentic. Simultaneously, the gameplay is supported by one of the most adaptable turn-based combat systems, allowing players to creatively position their party during battle, utilize an array of special abilities, and manipulate the environment itself to shift the course of the fight.

Matthias Linda’s Chained Echoes is Defined By Atmosphere & Combat

Experiencing the independent gaming world can offer a revitalizing break, filled with innovative concepts or rejuvenated classics. Released by Matthias Linda in 2022, Chained Echoes was particularly noteworthy due to its dedication to embodying the golden age of ’90s turn-based JRPGs. The narrative centers around a group of adventurers uniting to traverse the land and bring an end to the longstanding war between three kingdoms, maintaining the continent in a state of constant conflict.

Chained Echoes, much like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, transcends simple combination of its constituent elements. Despite openly displaying its inspirations, it establishes a unique visual style and employs a turn-based battle system that complements its engrossing universe. This universe skillfully merges high fantasy and mecha genres, providing the primary cast with an array of skills including melee attacks, spells, and even mechanized suits for combat. In the heat of battle within this world, players can execute impressive special abilities in Chained Echoes. The strategic depth is further amplified by managing the “overdrive” meter to ensure optimal attacks without overheating.

FFX is a Landmark Title in the Square Enix Series

The “Final Fantasy” series is another essential play for those seeking turn-based gameplay reminiscent of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s” roots. It offers a treasure trove of engaging games that frequently undergo self-reinvention, but among the standouts from the classic turn-based era is “Final Fantasy X”. In this game, players take on the character of Tidus, a former star athlete who transforms into Yuna’s guardian. Yuna is a magical summoner on a mission to vanquish Sin, a catastrophic menace.

This game, critically acclaimed for its emotionally rich narrative, stunning artwork, and engaging yet intense combat system, replaces the real-time aspects of the original Active Time Battle system with turn-based action. However, it retains its complexity without losing any depth. Fans of Clair Obscur’s strategic combat should still find enjoyment in FFX’s system, even without real-time elements, thanks to its flexible leveling system and effortless switching between its three-member team during battles. Similarly, like Sandfall, FFX is renowned for its visually appealing aesthetic, standing out among other Final Fantasy games known for their exceptional art direction.

2025-05-01 01:55